MOUNT OLIVE -- The Sam's Club in Budd Lake abruptly and permanently closed its doors this morning, reportedly taking employees by surprise.

The store is located in the International Trade Center in the Budd Lake section of Mount Olive.

Sam's Club, a subsidiary of Walmart, tweeted early this morning that after a thorough review of its existing portfolio, it decided to closed "a series" of clubs to better align its locations with its strategy.

"Closing clubs is never easy and we're committed to working with impacted members and associates through this transition," the tweet stated.

After a thorough review of our existing portfolio, we've decided to close a series of clubs and better align our locations with our strategy. Closing clubs is never easy and we're committed to working with impacted members and associates through this transition.

Mount Olive Mayor Rob Greenbaum announced the news on Facebook late this morning, stating, "I was just informed that as of today, Sam's Club, Mount Olive, is closed for good due to a business decision of the company."

He noted that the pharmacy will remain open through Jan. 27.

A call to the store is answered by this message: "This location is closed effective Jan. 11," adding that shoppers are welcome to visit other locations throughout the state. The Mount Olive location has also been erased from the Sam's Club website.

Facebook erupted with commenters this morning, many stating that employees were told to come in at 9 a.m. for an emergency meeting this morning, but were not told why.

Once commenter even stated that her son had just been hired at the Budd Lake location and was only two weeks into training as of today.

According to Business Insider, the company is closing 63 locations across the nation, many that were closed abruptly today. Two other New Jersey locations that will close are in Linden and Princeton.

According to the Associated Press, approximately 10 stores will be re-purposed into e-commerce distribution sites.

Some reports indicated that employees were greeted by locked doors and closure signs when they arrived at work today.

Greenbaum posted that a job fair may be organized for those who were recently effected by the closing.

Sam's Club members are being told of three options: Shop at another store and receive a three-month membership extension, get a full refund through a Sam's Club egift card or received a full refund via check, sent within six weeks.

The closest New Jersey location to Sussex County is in Secaucus.

According to the Sam's Club website, yearly memberships are $45.

To contact Sam's Club customer service, call 1-888-746-7726.

Calls to a Sam's Club spokesperson have yet to be returned.

Lori Comstock can also be reached on Twitter: @LoriComstockNJH, on Facebook: www.Facebook.com/LoriCosmtockNJH or by phone: 973-383-1194.